Sigma 18-50 F2.8-4.5 or DA 18-55 WR?

ArchimedesMP · 09-07-2015, 03:38 PM

Hi, I already have the DA 18-55 WR Kit lens and like it for a beginners lens/first steps with photography.
But when I got my Pentax F 70-210, I stumbled across the Sigma 18-50 -- F2.8 - 4.5 DC OS HSM by the same seller.
He had it wrongly listed on fleebay and I got it for ~55US$, which seems to be a great deal for that lens (vs. >150US$, but it is quite rare which makes "proper" prices hard to come by).
And I already had it in hand - looks like brand-new and never used. Exterior and interior wise.

So, now my issue: I will pick it up on Wednesday, but I am not 100% how to properly compare the two.
=> Do you have any hints for me, what I should look for?
Or personal experience with the two?

The 5mm don't read like a lot, but I even now I sometimes would like just a little bit more reach with the 18-55.
Especially for small rooms, as the 70-210 has a rather far minimal distance.

For my shooting (with that focal length): I like portraits, but also imagine I could enjoy landscapes (I have a "proper" tripod + backpack).

Normally I would ask after playing around a week or two with both lenses, but I will be visiting Konstanz for a few days and am offline from Wednesday to Sunday.
Since most here probably don't know German geography:
The city has a great view on the German and Swiss Alps across the Bodensee lake and I hope to get some good shots (or at least shooting exercise) there.

Alternative for some more reach: Is it worth to consider selling both for an upgrade(?) to the Sigma 17-70 2.8 - 4?
Either of the three variants: DC Macro, DC Macro OS HSM or DC Macro HSM (C)?

Oh, camera is the K20D. I still need to setup a signature ;-)

Cheers,
Sebastian

A tad OT: Yes, I feel bad for bidding on it, especially since I visited him to pick up the 70-210 and he is a very nice guy.
But else he would have gotten even less...

Adam · 09-07-2015, 03:43 PM

If you already have the normal kit lens I would probably recommend going for a higher-quality lens as a replacement, such as a 17-70mm. The current Sigma "C" version is wonderful.

DutchGonzo · 09-08-2015, 05:57 AM

I had the Sigma 18-50, it is a bit soft wide open. I agree with Adam, the Sigma 17-70 C would be a better choice. Or maybe the DA 35 or 50, they are nice travel lenses. Cheap and sharp. Have a nice time in Konstanz, it's beautiful there now, especially the Bodensee (flower island). Greetings from Holland.

ArchimedesMP · 09-08-2015, 01:47 PM

Hi, thanks for your opinions there.
Great to hear considering the 17-70 isn't such a bad idea

Should I aim for the C, or are the other two as okay as the C?

I just checked the used prices here in Germany - seems like the necessary reinvestment wouldn't be too much.
The C variant isn't that much more expensive (with some luck), just a bit more rare, with the Macro OS HSM seeming to be the quite common...
Though I might wait a while (read: a month), I should try not to fall in a lens collection fever ;-)

The DA 50 seems to be very nice, too.
But I already feel like having kind of a lens overkill (at least for a beginner), so I believe I am better off with zooms for now.
As I keep 80% of my raws I can later decide for which focal length I could use a prime.

Edit:
I searched for 17-70 comparisons. I believe the most prominent are the Pentax 17-70mm Lens Comparison (v1 + v2) and than there is this 2 page thread (v1 vs v3).
I'll be reading both (later, need to go to bed now due to a lot of work tomorrow).\
Any more recommendations?

Last edited by ArchimedesMP; 09-08-2015 at 01:59 PM. Reason: searched and added 2 links

09-07-2015, 03:38 PM	#1
ArchimedesMP New Member Join Date: Aug 2015 Photos: Gallery Posts: 4	Sigma 18-50 F2.8-4.5 or DA 18-55 WR? Hi, I already have the DA 18-55 WR Kit lens and like it for a beginners lens/first steps with photography. But when I got my Pentax F 70-210, I stumbled across the Sigma 18-50 -- F2.8 - 4.5 DC OS HSM by the same seller. He had it wrongly listed on fleebay and I got it for ~55US$, which seems to be a great deal for that lens (vs. >150US$, but it is quite rare which makes "proper" prices hard to come by). And I already had it in hand - looks like brand-new and never used. Exterior and interior wise. So, now my issue: I will pick it up on Wednesday, but I am not 100% how to properly compare the two. => Do you have any hints for me, what I should look for? Or personal experience with the two? The 5mm don't read like a lot, but I even now I sometimes would like just a little bit more reach with the 18-55. Especially for small rooms, as the 70-210 has a rather far minimal distance. For my shooting (with that focal length): I like portraits, but also imagine I could enjoy landscapes (I have a "proper" tripod + backpack). Normally I would ask after playing around a week or two with both lenses, but I will be visiting Konstanz for a few days and am offline from Wednesday to Sunday. Since most here probably don't know German geography: The city has a great view on the German and Swiss Alps across the Bodensee lake and I hope to get some good shots (or at least shooting exercise) there. Alternative for some more reach: Is it worth to consider selling both for an upgrade(?) to the Sigma 17-70 2.8 - 4? Either of the three variants: DC Macro, DC Macro OS HSM or DC Macro HSM (C)? Oh, camera is the K20D. I still need to setup a signature ;-) Cheers, Sebastian A tad OT: Yes, I feel bad for bidding on it, especially since I visited him to pick up the 70-210 and he is a very nice guy. But else he would have gotten even less...

09-07-2015, 03:43 PM	#2
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,597	If you already have the normal kit lens I would probably recommend going for a higher-quality lens as a replacement, such as a 17-70mm. The current Sigma "C" version is wonderful. Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

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09-08-2015, 05:57 AM	#3
DutchGonzo Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Posts: 34	I had the Sigma 18-50, it is a bit soft wide open. I agree with Adam, the Sigma 17-70 C would be a better choice. Or maybe the DA 35 or 50, they are nice travel lenses. Cheap and sharp. Have a nice time in Konstanz, it's beautiful there now, especially the Bodensee (flower island). Greetings from Holland.

09-08-2015, 01:47 PM	#4
ArchimedesMP New Member Join Date: Aug 2015 Photos: Gallery Posts: 4 Original Poster	Hi, thanks for your opinions there. Great to hear considering the 17-70 isn't such a bad idea Should I aim for the C, or are the other two as okay as the C? I just checked the used prices here in Germany - seems like the necessary reinvestment wouldn't be too much. The C variant isn't that much more expensive (with some luck), just a bit more rare, with the Macro OS HSM seeming to be the quite common... Though I might wait a while (read: a month), I should try not to fall in a lens collection fever ;-) The DA 50 seems to be very nice, too. But I already feel like having kind of a lens overkill (at least for a beginner), so I believe I am better off with zooms for now. As I keep 80% of my raws I can later decide for which focal length I could use a prime. Edit: I searched for 17-70 comparisons. I believe the most prominent are the Pentax 17-70mm Lens Comparison (v1 + v2) and than there is this 2 page thread (v1 vs v3). I'll be reading both (later, need to go to bed now due to a lot of work tomorrow).\ Any more recommendations? Last edited by ArchimedesMP; 09-08-2015 at 01:59 PM. Reason: searched and added 2 links